Mod’ Art taking the fashion capital to the world

Paris is the fashion capital of the world. When it comes to fashion, all eyes turn to the catwalks of Paris. Not only do they earn repute as the birthplace of trends and legendary creatives, they also hold the standards and rulebook on just how it is done. Mod’ Art International, the International Institute of Fashion and Arts comes to Sri Lanka, to establish the fostering grounds of Paris for those who aspire to learn the ropes in a lucrative industry.

Words Prasadini Nanayakkara

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In an excessively competitive and challenging industry, working in fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Hermès, Forever 21 remain an illusory dream for even seasoned professionals. But these are the places where many interns from Mod’ Art end up. That is Mod’ Art students from any of the partner schools across the world.

Niroshani Leanage, Managing Director of Lanka Institute of Fashion Technology spoke of the new franchise that would provide a highly specialised fashion education of this international repute in Sri Lanka.

“Mod’ Art was the fitting choice for Sri Lanka since it adopts a more global approach offering programmes in English unlike other schools in France,” she says. Its global reach covers London, Shanghai, Lima, Delhi, Mumbai, Cyprus, Belgrade, Budapest, Ho Chi Minh, St Petersburg, and most recently Sri Lanka. “In Sri Lanka the collaboration is a pure franchise adopting a pedagogical system and is headed by course directors of the Paris branch. It has the potential to be the hub school for the South Asian region,” she adds further.

Mod’ Art was the fitting choice for Sri Lanka since it adopts a more global approach offering programmes in English unlike other schools in France

France, a country which has a reverent regard for fashion, in particular in Paris, makes no exceptions when it comes to fashion education, there are separate institutions dedicated to the subject. This is in contrast to many other countries, where the fashion and design fall under a course of study in multi-disciplinary universities. The programmes offered are geared towards the industry and its trends and likewise at Mod’ Art Sri Lanka the four year Fashion Creation bachelor’s degree and the Fashion Management in Luxury Goods and Fashion Industries cater to the creative and business aspects of the fashion world. Each year of the bachelor’s degree includes three to four months internship with established French brands. Students are also provided the exposure to the fashion capital with trips organised during different seasons to experience the city, its culture, language, lifestyle and weather. Window shopping tours at Champs-Élysées and Gallery Lafayette would also help to gain a broader understanding of the branded industry. Students can also opt to continue their degree in Mod’Art Paris. All of these systems are in place for a truly French influenced education that would impress upon aspiring designers the difference between the French couture brands and other brands of international origin.

Students Are Also Provided The Exposure To The Fashion Capital With Trips Organised During Different Seasons To Experience The City, Its Culture, Language, Lifestyle And Weather

The system of Mod’ Art instruction is such that the certification from any of the partner schools would have the same standing as that of Mod’ Art Paris allowing students to transfer to any of the schools. As a result Mod’ Art schools, including in Sri Lanka, would require classroom interiors, teaching staff, student material such as paper and pen to meet exact specifications. For instance the classroom interiors are entirely in white with desk and chairs of specified sizes. Each student is entitled to specialised facilities and conveniences that are geared towards establishing a creative environment, ultimately leading to a fashion culture and resourceful skill sets. From drawing techniques and materials to method of instruction all contribute towards cultivating young talent that can transition to a professional setting. The results are evident with beautiful designs being produced for student shows. Shows at Mod’ Art Paris occur as frequently as three times a day, drawing as many as 3,000 people daily, reflecting the fashion conscious culture of Paris. A portfolio of a Mod’ Art student is mainly focused towards major design houses.

Shows at Mod’ Art Paris occur as frequently as three times day, drawing as many as 3,000 people daily, reflecting the fashion conscious culture of Paris

The MBA programme that is soon to be offered in Sri Lanka would be the very first masters’ level program in the sphere of fashion in the country. For those already in the industry looking to gain a more specialized knowledge in merchandizing, this course meets a growing demand. Of one year’s duration the programme focuses on luxury goods relating to any industry ranging from tourism to fashion. Students can also follow the course in Paris and Milan in periods of six months each through an exchange programme further broadening their perspectives and experiences.

Course combinations such as these have often led to success stories. For instance, two students who met in Mod’ Art International Paris, one studying fashion design, the other a fashion management student together launched Coperni Femme, a women’s ready-to-wear line that has gained renown and recognition in the industry.

Be it couture or ready-to-wear, Paris fashion with its versatility of mute and neutral tones, its discipline and influence are a way of life that resonates throughout the fashion conscious world.

The dress forms used by students are specified for all partner schools of Mod’ Art
Mod’ Art takes a very instructive approach to teaching
Fashion photo shoot: a design from a Mod’ Art student portfolio
Student’s photoshoot must convey a concept or highlight a specific feature
Everyday occurence: during a student fashion show hosted at the school
Students take to the runway with their creations
Use of subtle or neutral colours make designs universal
Students must master the use of location in fashion photo shoots to complement their designs
Design, symmetry and shapes
Fashion shows are very much a part of the learning process

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